Top 5 French Casinos

Top 5 French

Sure, it's easy to make fun of the French and we don't even have to feel guilty about it. After all, they've said some pretty disparaging things about Americans over the years. Deep down, our two countries truly love and respect one another, just like an old married couple. Also just like an old married couple, we tend to express our feelings with mutual displays of searing hostility. That's just how it is and there is really no reason to get all riled up about it. At the end of the day, people are allowed to disagree from time to time, and countries are as well. Besides, France just lost the World Cup and I can't bring myself to mock that nation as much as I would under other circumstances.

Anyway, regardless of any Francophobic inclinations you might harbor, you have to admit this is a race of people who love and appreciate gambling. I mean, just take a look at the French Riviera sometime. You can find pictures of it on the Internet, just don't get too distracted by the topless beaches. Or do, what the hell do I care?

Anyway, you may be wondering what are some of the best casinos in France that a visiting tourist would feel compelled to visit. That's a really astute question, even if you're not a gambler. Because, let's face it, if you are planning a vacation to France, there's only so much time you realistically devote to eating cheese, slurping wine ogling nude women and neglecting to bathe. On second thought, there's really no limit to the amount of time I could spend on those activities. Maybe I've had these French pegged wrong all along. I guess it just goes to show that stereotypes are dangerous and stupid.

So let's move on to a much better topic and take a brief look at five casinos that you absolutely must visit the next time you set foot on Gallic soil. These are not listed in any particular order of significance, in case you are wondering. All of them are worth your time and probably some of your money.

1. Palm Beach Casino. No, that's not a typo, there actually is a gambling house in Cannes with this name. Go figure. The casino features over 100 slots and 20 table games. The property has three restaurants and a hotel with 106 rooms. That's a lot of action.

2. Casino Barrière de Deauville. Definitely a class act, one of the most elegant resorts in all of France. A 44,000-square foot casino features 234 slots and 24 table games. Not too shabby.

3. Palais de la Méditerranée is a Casino in Nice. I hate to say it, but Nice is pretty nice. There, I said it. The casino features 17 table games. The property has a hotel with 188 rooms.

4. Aviation Club de France is a Casino in Paris. This joint is a frequent stop on the World Poker Tour. Lots of big-timers have played here, obviously.

5. Le Cercle des Pyrenees in Toulouse. You'll find that the tables are red hot here in Toulouse but the slots aren't too loose. God, another awful pun. I'm calling it a day, folks. Bon soir.